PANJIM: Stating that all three linear projects in Mollem are required for the future, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Friday refuted allegations that the projects are for transportation of coal and assured the House that his government will never allow increase in coal handling at MPT.
Replying to the Private Member’s Resolution tabled by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai and Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, which was discussed for four hours in the Assembly on Friday, the Chief Minister said that coal handling at MPT cannot be stopped abruptly.
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“The three projects are for Goa’s future. Today we may feel we do not need that but the 400kV transmission line, double tracking and four-lanning of National Highway is required in next 25 years,” he said. Sawant said that there is no connection between three linear projects and coal. “I assure the House today that this government will never allow to increase the coal handling at MPT, which currently has capacity to handle 12 or 15 million tonnes,” he said.
He said that coal handling cannot be stopped abruptly as 4500 Goans are dependent on it. “We have asked MPT to explore other avenues. Coal handling just cannot be stopped overnight,” he said. The Chief Minister also said that for double tracking no houses will be demolished only a couple of compounds will be removed.
Sawant also asked the Opposition to have patience as the Central Empowerment Committee will submit the report to Supreme Court soon. “Everybody, including the MLAs, have spoken to the CEC and explained the issue, so wait for the report to be submitted to SC. We have to respect the SC order,” he said.
Earlier, Environment and Power Minister Nilesh Cabral explained to the Opposition how the three projects are required for the State.
Cabral said that the Goa Tamnar transmission project was required as there is a shortage of power. He also hit out at the Opposition for connecting coal transportation to three linear projects.
“We have to understand that somebody else is burning coal to provide power to the State of Goa. We must not forget that while misguiding people,” he said.
He said that the government has no intention of handling coal. “Our CZMP is ready and will be uploaded on the website today or tomorrow and we have capped coal handling to not more than 15 million tonnes,” he added.
Cabral also criticised those opposing the project for not opting for solar energy instead of protesting against the transmission line. “Why can’t people opt for solar energy? Some 5000 people are protesting with candles on the tracks, then why can’t they opt for solar power despite 50 per cent subsidy from the government?” he asked adding, “Don’t misguide people by mixing the three projects with coal.”
PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar told the House that the road-widening will be done with minimum felling of trees.
